What are Quantifoil grids?

QUANTIFOIL® TEM Substrates. Support Grids or Substrates for Transmission Electron Microscopy. Quantifoil® Holey Carbon Film is a perforated support foil with a p re-defined hole size, shape and arrangement. They are offered with circular and square, orthogonally arranged holes.

What is a TEM grid?

A TEM grid is typically a flat disc with a mesh or other shaped holes used to support thin sections of specimen. The holes in the grids allow the electrons to pass through. Grids are available in a wide variety of patterns and materials for various applications.

Are TEM grids reusable?

They are 100μm thick, 3.05mm in diameter, this standard 2x1mm oval slot grids are contamination free and reusable after cleaning.

Why do you use Cu grids for TEM?

➢ Copper grids are usually used because they are conductive, stable in the beam and inexpensive.

How do TEM grids work?

Transmission electron microscopy uses a high energy electron beam to bombard the sample. Depending on the amount of energy that was absorbed by the sample, the intensity of the beam that hits the viewing screen varies, and an image is made (remember that contrast arises from the beam interacting with the sample).

How do you clean a TEM grid?

To clean them: Place a large drop of 5% acetic acid on a taped down piece of parafilm. Place a second drop of distilled water a short distance away. Place dirty grid in acetic acid solution for 1.5 – 2.5 minutes depending on how severe the excess stain is.

Why is carbon coating used for TEM grid coating?

In TEM imaging the support layer has to be as thin as possible due to the fact that the thickness and density of its material influences image resolution and contrast. Another advantage of using carbon is that, its surface properties can be altered in processes like glow discharge, UV irradiation or chemical treatment.

Why are copper grids used in a TEM instead of a microscope slide?